The Dangers of Drinking
Bertrand Russell once described drunkenness as 鈥渢emporary suicide,鈥� a phrase that might turn out to be more literally true than the great philosopher knew. Heavy drinkers of beer and spirits face a much higher risk of developing cancer than the population at large, according to a recent study published in the journal聽Cancer Detection and Prevention by researchers from 91社区, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier and Universit茅 de Montr茅al.
Their findings show that people in the highest consumption category increased their risk of developing esophageal cancer sevenfold, colon cancer by 80 per cent and even lung cancer by 50 per cent.
In all, the researchers found statistically significant relationships between heavy consumption of beer and spirits and six different cancers. Moderate drinking (i.e., less than daily) and wine consumption did not show the same effects.